Index Archive

24 May 2017

Politically connected Godman Chandraswami Dies Once Powerful and connected with top Indian politicians, Godman Chandraswami dies.Chandraswami, who had suffered a stroke and had been admitted to Apollo Hospital on April 3, was 66.

Hospital statement said following 'He had been ailing for some time. He suffered a stroke and later developed multi-organ failure...He succumbed... at 2.56 pm,'

His real name was Nemi Chand. His father was a money lender from Behror in Rajasthan.Chandraswami was a Jain who worshipped the Hindu goddess Kali.His father moved to Hyderabad when Chandraswami was a child.

He was famous as an astrologer and became a spiritual advisor for many.

Chandraswami was known to be close to politicians like former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao and others. Chandraswami became close to Rao when the former PM was the home minister in Andhra Pradesh.

According to reports, Thatcher, who was known for her no-nonsense approach, conversed with Chandraswami in 1975 in her Commons office.

Thatcher, who later became the prime minister of Britain, was apparently so impressed with his 'powers' that she agreed to his request to wear a special red dress and a battered talisman around her wrist to a second meeting.

He was investigated in several high-profile scams.In June 2011, Chandraswami was fined Rs 9 crore by the apex court for FERA violations.In 1996, he was arrested on charges of cheating a London-based businessman of $100,000.

His name figured in the Rajiv Gandhi killing. Chandra swami’s alleged role in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi came up before the Milap Chand Jain commission, which had been set up to probe the conspiracy behind the killing of Rajiv Gandhi. In its report on the assassination, the Jain Commission dedicated a volume to his alleged involvement in the case.

According to reports, the Jain Commission was told that Chandraswami, through his wide international links and involvement in major arms and financial deals, arranged the funds for the LTTE.

The commission was told Chandraswami had every reason to play a crucial role in the conspiracy as he was arrested during Rajiv Gandhi's regime and was not allowed to go abroad.

The Jain commission had directed that his role be further probed.

The Supreme Court questioned why no action was initiated against the controversial spiritual guru if the government really suspected he funded the assassination of the former Prime Minister by LTTE.